As the first rays of the rising sun touched the face of the crown prince, a knock from Chamberlain Gallio woke him up. "Good morning, Your Highness. I hope I didn't disturb your rest, but the sun is up now," Gallio announced, his voice carrying the gentle authority of his position.
Cornelius, still groggy, was taken aback. No one had ever dared to wake him this early. This was the first time he had been roused at such an hour. Realizing this, he remembered how he had fallen into a deep sleep, something that rarely happened. Despite his usual exhaustion, he typically only managed a restless doze just before dawn. However, ever since arriving at the Abordien Dukedom, he had slept soundly and now awoke feeling surprisingly content.
Determined to catch a few more moments of sleep, he closed his eyes again, only to be interrupted by another knock. "I'm up! I'm up!" he grumbled, swinging his legs out of bed. As he made his way to the door, he heard a woman's voice, prompting him to open it immediately.
The voice belonged to Duchess Arcelia Blathazar Vozinilek-Callascione. "Good morning, Your Highness," she greeted warmly. "I trust you slept well?"
Cornelius nodded, still adjusting to the early hour. "Yes, thank you, Duchess. It was a restful night."
"Wonderful," she replied. "The Duke and the rest of the family are eager to meet you. Please, join us for breakfast."
Cornelius dressed quickly and followed Duchess Arcelia to the grand dining hall, where Duke Lennon Stallard Callascione, Grand Cordon Levine Vozinilek Callascione, and Azriel Vozinilek Callascione awaited him. The room was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee. The family rose to greet him, their expressions warm and welcoming.
"Welcome, Your Highness," Duke Lennon said, extending his hand. "We are honored to have you here."
"The honor is mine, Duke Lennon," Cornelius replied, shaking his hand. He took his seat at the table, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the Callascione family.
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. They discussed the history of the dukedom, its traditions, and the recent developments within the kingdom. Cornelius found himself intrigued by their stories and felt a growing appreciation for the family's dedication to their people.
After breakfast, Cornelius decided to explore the dukedom. As he prepared to venture out with a simple cloak to disguise his royal identity and a knight for protection, he glanced out of a window and noticed a surprising sight. Nobles from various kingdoms were strolling through the town, dressed in simple clothes and without any attendants or guards. They walked freely among the commoners, enjoying the vibrant markets and scenic beauty of Abordien as if they were regular visitors.
Realizing that Abordien was a place where titles and formalities seemed to vanish, Cornelius decided he didn't need a cloak or a knight to follow him. Inspired by the other nobles, he opted to roam around like them, embracing the opportunity to blend in and experience the town as a regular person.
With newfound confidence, Cornelius stepped out into the bustling streets. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the lively marketplace. Vendors called out their wares, children laughed and played, and the scent of fresh pastries filled the air. Cornelius moved through the crowds with ease, exchanging friendly nods with fellow nobles and commoners alike.
As Cornelius wandered through the streets, he was approached by a young child holding a small, wrapped delicacy. "Sir, would you like to try one? It's my family's specialty," the child offered, holding out the treat with a shy smile.
Surprised by the unexpected gesture, Cornelius accepted the delicacy with a warm smile. "Thank you," he said, touched by the child's generosity. He unwrapped the treat and took a bite, savoring the flavors. "It's delicious," he remarked, genuinely impressed.
The child's face lit up with pride. "I'm glad you like it!"
The simple exchange filled Cornelius with a sense of joy. It was moments like these that made him appreciate the warmth and kindness of the people in Abordien.
As the afternoon sun began to dip, Cornelius returned to the Callascione manor, where he was greeted with exciting news. Lady Annabeth Beischel, the love of his life, had arrived at the dukedom. His heart soared at the thought of seeing her again.
Annabeth met him in the grand foyer, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Cornelius," she whispered, embracing him. "I missed you."
"I missed you too," he replied, holding her close. "But why are you here in Abordien?"
Annabeth smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I was curious about this place. I've heard so much about it and wanted to see it for myself. I thought it might be a nice escape."
Cornelius chuckled, delighted by her spontaneity. "I'm glad you came. I'd love to show you around. There's so much to see here."
They spent the afternoon exploring the dukedom together, visiting quaint cafes, charming shops, and hidden gardens. As they walked hand in hand through the lively streets, Annabeth marveled at the atmosphere. "It's wonderful here," she said. "Everyone seems so relaxed and happy."
"Abordien truly is a special place," Cornelius agreed. "It's a place where we can just be ourselves."
That evening, Cornelius and Annabeth joined the Callascione family for dinner. The dining hall was adorned with candles and flowers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The meal was a feast of local delicacies, and the conversation was lively and engaging.
The Callascione family welcomed Annabeth warmly, eager to learn about her impressions of the dukedom. "How are you finding Abordien so far, Lady Annabeth?" Duchess Arcelia asked.
"I love it," Annabeth replied enthusiastically. "There's a certain charm here that's hard to find elsewhere. It feels like a place where time slows down, and you can truly appreciate the little things."
Duke Lennon nodded. "That's exactly what we aim for. Abordien has always been a sanctuary of sorts."
As the night wore on, Cornelius felt a sense of contentment he hadn't experienced in a long time. Abordien somehow made him feel a depth of home, reminiscent of the warmth his beloved mother used to speak of during family vacations with his father, the King of Andigre Kingdom. The sense of belonging and simplicity made him hopeful that such peace could be a part of his life beyond the boundaries of the dukedom.